After the announcement of proposed school budget that includes the closure of three schools and significant changes to offerings in the Rochester Public Schools, Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) released the following statement:

“It’s disappointing to see Rochester Public Schools left making such difficult choices including the closure of three schools and eliminating transportation for the choice options for students. These decisions are a result of student enrollment losses as well as the incredible budget pressures placed on the district by unfunded mandates from the state. During this last legislative session, I supported a legislation that would have increased school budgets without the strict mandates so local schools could invest the dollars in the classroom where they belong.”